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BATU GAJAH, MALAYSIA, March 27, 2005: Glittering chariots, carrying the statues of three Hindu deities, marked the colorful celebration of the Pangguni Uthiram festival beneath the glow of a full moon here on Friday night. Despite a delay of two hours caused by a downpour, thousands of devotees rushed to pay homage to the deities – Lord Ganesha, his brother Lord Murugan and the Goddess Sri Mariamman – whose statues were in three illuminated chariots at the Sri Subramaniyar Swami temple in Jalan Pusing here. The scene around the temple took the form of a Sunday market, with cheerful voices among stallholders and prospective customers. The women and young girls came in their best sarees and adorned with sparkling jewelry. The procession started at about 9.30pm, with the chariot bearing the statue of Lord Ganesh at the head. The one carrying Lord Murugun and his two divine consorts, Villi and Theivayaanai, and the chariot of Sri Mariamman trailed behind. Three colorfully-decorated bulls pulled the chariots for the six-hour procession through town, accompanied by Indian classical music. Along the way, devotees shattered coconuts on the ground to symbolize the fulfilling of vows. Others made offerings of velvet, gold and silver spikes. Priests accepted offerings until 11pm, before guiding the bulls back.

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